MUMBAI: From “brain behind” to stakeholder. Onwards and upwards it is for Sundar Raman, former COO of the Indian Premier League.
Last heard, the upcoming six-team T20 league that the Emirates Cricket Board is promoting was his “brainchild”.
The latest on Raman is that he holds a 12.5% stake in a company that Cricket South Africa has set up in partnership with southern Africa’s dominant sportscaster SuperSport to re-launch its ambitious franchise-based T20 league.
According to a report in Cricbuzz, a document headlined “MSL: Re-imagined” was presented at a special CSA members council meeting on April 25. In it, Raman is listed as holding a 12.5% share in the company unveiled on Friday as the vehicle to drive the establishment of the tournament.
“CSA own 57.5% and broadcasters SuperSport the remaining 30%. The first edition of the as yet unnamed six-team competition is planned for January 2023.” With Raman’s active involvement in the league, it was a no-brainer that two franchises with whom he has actively worked — Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings — are showing active interest in knowing more about the league.
Coming back to the upcoming UAE T20 League, it too has six franchises for its launch in early 2023.
The four confirmed franchise owners that have bought into the tournament are as under :
1. The Glazer family, owners of English Premier League giants Manchester United
2. Reliance Industries Ltd, owners of five time IPL champions Mumbai Indians
3. India-based infrastructure major GMR Group, co-owner of the IPL franchise Delhi Capitalshas acquired the rights to own and operate the Dubai team.
4. Indian non-banking financial company Capri Global (first ever foray into cricket)
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